Ridha gingerly took the infant in her arms, her eyes shone with tears while her lips curved into a smile..

The nurse smiled back, her eyes dropped with a feeling of pity.

'I've been dreading this moment…,' she stared at the baby for a long while, then smiled to herself, for me you were born nine months back, the day I got to know about your existence. I used to put my hands over my belly and try to hear your heart beat…people would call me silly saying you were just a lump, but I could feel you…I used to talk with you and then imagine how you'd reply in your baby voice…but honestly, you're more beautiful than I imagined…maybe this is what heaven feels like…

'It's time…,' the nurse hesitated.

…holding you in my arms and…, Ridha planted a kiss on her forehead; her tiny palm reached out to touch Ridha's cheek.

Teardrops ran down her face, she sniffled and whispered into her tiny ears – 'it's time to let go…,' a forced smile crossed Ridha's lips, '…of your surrogate mother'.

The nurse took the baby girl from her hands, 'her parents have decided to name her after you – Ridha,' she smiled.

'She never loved your father…how could she? Nobody can love such a beast. Her only mistake was she had the courage to say it aloud'. She added, 'I remember those lifeless eyes…she's been waiting for ages.'

Tears streamed down my face, I leaned my head against the wall.

Suddenly she let go of my hand, 'I've poisoned my son's drink…you can either go save him now or wait here till…', she closed her eyes.

The clock struck twelve; I ran up the stairs to see him die with my own eyes.